Six!

I'm sad at the amount of time Maren and Kate are away from each other, which is evident in our photos.  I have so few pictures of both my girls together.  Maren is surviving, even though some days are filled with tears.  We moved into our new house in November.  My sister and her family live with us and are a huge help to our family.  Maren turned six this past fall.  She's almost half done with Kindergarten.  She even lost her first tooth.  She was excited when the tooth fairy brought her $1, but quickly realized she wanted that tooth back.  The following night, the tooth fairy found a note under Maren's pillow, "Give me my tooth back, please."  We are constantly amazed at Maren's sharp and witty personality.  She's growing up too quick!  Despite all the monumental changes she's endured this past year and a half, she continues to be a sweet and gentle big sister and a huge source of happiness in this home.

Consolidation

On Monday, Kate will complete her fourth round of chemotherapy.  She's been able to come home several times throughout this round for short breaks.   Kate celebrated her first birthday, December 11, in the hospital.  The Jazz happened to stop by so it was a pretty exciting day.    And we were especially lucky to have her home on Christmas Day.  She's has been very happy and side effects have been minimal.  Unfortunately, her central line broke again on Tuesday...this is the forth time.  Her doctor is concerned about possible infection risks and Kate will have surgery on Monday to replace her existing line.  

For some reason, Kate's eyelashes have grown back and she has new fuzz coming in on her bald head.  I think it will fall out again, but it's still unexplainably exciting.  Kate has been talking more and more these days.  She says "baby" and "ball" and "dada."  She also just learned to shake her head and say "Na Na" (No).  Chris and I are reminded lately that life doesn't stop when your child has cancer.  Kate is still developing and growing just like any other baby and we are doing our best to capture these fun moments just as any normal family would.